[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 112 (Wednesday, September 20, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING MELVIN PAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 20, 2000

  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, in some ways Melvin Page and his colleagues in 
honor and arms may be the bravest Americans. They fought a long and 
difficult war against a brutal and ferocious enemy. But--unlike the 
brave Americans who fought all our other wars--Melvin Page and his 
fellow Vietnam veterans had to fight a war that not all Americans 
supported. Even if Melvin Page and his comrades were ``the bravest of 
the brave''--and they were--the civilian leadership that got us into 
Vietnam badly failed the men and women it sent there. Those leaders 
never gave our brave soldiers the unconditional backing and the clear 
goals needed to win. But, despite all those impediments, Melvin Page 
and the others who fought in that conflict can always hold their heads 
proudly and high because of the extreme sacrifices they made in defense 
of freedom.
  That's why I was especially honored to take part in Melvin Page Day 
in Harriman, TN, in the Third District on Saturday, September 9, 2000. 
When you look at the story of Melvin Page's brave service, it's hard to 
imagine anyone who could more deserve the honors he received from his 
fellow citizens. Melvin served in the United States Army from 1967 to 
1969 when the Vietnam War was at its height. He showed his true courage 
and suffered enormously during a battle in which he and 43 other men 
were ambushed by over 1,000 North Vietnamese Army soldiers. In an 
attempt to save as many of his comrades as possible, Sgt. Page called 
in napalm air strikes on his own position. He was hit three times by 
rifle shots, struck by a grenade and was grievously burned. He was one 
of the very few people in his command to survive the attack. Rescuers 
arrived just in time to save his life; and in fact, Melvin Page was so 
badly injured that the recovery team thought that he had died and 
placed him in a body bag. It was only when his hand moved that the 
rescuers realized that he was alive.
  He had to undergo numerous operations and extensive rehabilitation to 
recover from the severe burns and other injuries he suffered. After 
Melvin Page left the Army, he became a letter carrier with the U.S. 
Postal Service back home in Harriman, where he has worked faithfully 
for 30 years.
  Melvin Page's heroism and sacrifice has been recognized by the 
numerous medals and awards he has received, including the Bronze Star 
with V Device, three Purple Hearts, Two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Good 
Conduct, National Defense Service, U.S. Vietnam Service, Vietnam 
Campaign, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachute Jump Badge, Ranger Tab 
and Expert Marksman badge for pistol, rifle, and machine gun.
  But, as impressive as this list is, it cannot begin to convey the 
heroism and sacrifice that marked Melvin Page's Army service. Mr. Page, 
as you complete 33 years of loyal and dedicated services to the United 
States in war and peace, please accept the congratulations, best wishes 
and heartfelt thanks of a grateful nation.

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